Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng I remember this drive very well. We missed out on the good meal at the roadhouse stop as the chef was away, but on the other hand, I had the 'as advertised' loo with a view ;) Happy New Year again, and I hope to read about the rest of this trip when it's possible. Take care Jan and Ted xx
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Hi Ren,
From reading your blogs over time, I have always thought that the two of you, and the two of us, like to travel in similar ways. Ted and I do like to get off the beaten track a bit. It was from these blogs that I suspected that you also had done trips with Intrepid, as there was a certain similarity to some of the trips we had done over the years. :) Our Intrepid trip to Morocco, Spain and Portugal is still on hold but, hopefully we will get there one day. At the moment, we have until September, 2022 to re-book, as everything is in credit for now. Will have to wait and see. I do intend to continue our Laos blogs as time goes on as, this was just a starting point for further trips into Thailand and Burma, or Myanmar, as it is now known. With COVID this last year, you would think that we would have had unlimited time to indulge such pursuits but, like you, working from home still demanded our time and effort amidst total disruption. Will keep at it though. :) Jxx
Rituals ... Hi Dave & Merry Jo,
We always like watching them too and immersing ourselves in another culture but, sometimes wonder if we are considered by those concerned, to be imposing on their religious practices. Thanks for dropping in. Great to hear from you. Jan
What a beauty. One can only imagine the trauma of the destruction of Wat Mahathat during a typhoon during evening prayers...a perceived place of sanctuary no doubt. Then the uplifting of the spirits of the faithful on it being rebuilt. Thanks for sharing its story Jan...albeit briefly.
What a beauty ... Hi Dave,
It was really distressing to hear of such a tragedy occurring at Wat Mahathat and hard to imagine the devastation and destruction that resulted for those poor people. I always try to add a little bit of history in my blogs when it comes to points of interest, without getting too detailed for readers to have to get through. Hopefully, if it is something that has piqued their interest, they may wish to research it a little further themselves, if they would like to know more. It's a bit of a fine line sometimes - to try and add interest, (hopefully), without your readers losing interest, and you boring them to death in the process. :) Great to hear from you again and, thank you for dropping in. Please say hi to Denise. :) Jan
Another view of Luang Prabang It's interesting to read about your trip to this city after reading RENanDREW's own account just recently and comparing your experiences! (Intrepid Tours must have a devoted following in Australia.) I also noticed Mr. Kit's name came up in both of your blog. How nice to celebrate a birthday while traveling -- the best kind of present!!
Another view of Luang Prabang ... Hello ...
I think it is always interesting to hear, or read, of two different perspectives of the same place, We have done many trips with Intrepid over the years and they have never failed to provide a most enjoyable holiday. They are an Australian company, providing soft adventure tours, worldwide, for small groups.Thank you for dropping in and pleased that you enjoyed our two different experiences.
Luang Prabang Really enjoyed this blog Jan! Looks like Intrepid has changed their hotel in LP recently, as our hotel certainly didn't have the metal security fence - but we would have had the same feelings about it as you did anyway. The water levels at Kuang Si Falls falls seem to be much higher in October than in January, and with far fewer people. The loud large crowds wrecked our experience of it a bit, so it's nice to see that you had a nicer experience. Looking forward to reading the next instalment :) Ren x
Luang Prabang ... Hi Ren & Andrew,
Thanks Ren. Yes, we were fortunate when we visited Kuang Si waterfalls as we were there during the wet weason, which runs from May until September, and there had been a lot of rain prior to our visit, and also lucky that there was hardly anyone there. We got caught up travelling during Chinese New Year once. Never again, if we can avoid it, for the same reason. It was interesting when reading your blogs on Laos, just how dry the countryside was during your visit. Loved your venture into the countryside on your dune buggy, looking for the caves. You seem to travel much the same way we do - always up for an adventure! :) We had hired a quad bike on Mykonos a few years ago and took ourselves off for the day. It too, had a few quirks - like us not being able to work out how to turn on the headlights when headng back home at dusk. That was an interesting episode, with the pedal to the metal, trying to get home before it became really dark! :) Mind you, the quad bike wasn't going to break any land speed records, either! :) Re the security fence at our hotel in LP - we aren't nervous nellies when we travel and, mostly, take things in our stride, whilst always being mindful of our safety at all times so, the fence didn't worry us at all and, we always have confidence in Intrepid having done their homework when sourcing premises and also activities. Have already started on LP No 2 so, watch this space. :) Janxx
Finding Nemo ... Hi Shilo. I am on the job and will get back to you as soon as I have something. I am just waiting on hearing back from my contact to see if they can help. Hopefully, it won't be too long. ? Jan
Finding Nemo Hi there, nice post! Nemo was also my guide in Mongolia in 2017 and I’m trying to get in touch with him. I don’t suppose you have his email address, do you? Thank you!
Finding Nemo ... Hi Shilo,
Thank you for your comments. Personally, I don't have Nemo's email address but, I may be able to get contact details for you via a third party. If you can give me a few days, I shall see what I can do. Hope that you enjoyed your Mongolian experience as much as we did. :) Jan
Escape the heat ... Hi Dave & Merry Jo,
Heatwaves aren't uncommon during our summers but, this one was unprecedented in its length and the area it covered. There was just no getting away from it - even by driving, driving driving. :) Thank goodness for air conditioning - both in vehicles ... and houseboats. :) Thank you for dropping in. :) Jan
Golden wedding Congrats Jan & Ted on your golden milestone. That you endured temperatures up to 48C in the process is mind boggling. But to explore Echuca which we love due to free camping areas along the river reminds one that there are still many jewels to enjoy on a fine Aussie day.
Golden Wedding Hi Dave, Thank you for your anniversary wishes and, also for dropping in - always great to hear from you. :) Yes, we also love Echuca and have spent various periods of time there over the years. Always love it.The heatwave was relentless but, the main thing was our family time together. It was a great week. Ted and I have seen a lot of our own country but, you are right, Aussie does have a lot to offer. A stay-cation can always be a delight. Jxx
Hot enough! Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your good wishes and congratulations and lovely to hear from you. It was lovely family time together. Last time we caught up with you, you were soon to head off to China, which is some time ago now. Seems the travel bug has well and truly captivated you this last year. Great to read about your adventures and to see that you are out there enjoying life. Thank you for dropping in. Jan xx
Happy anniversary!!! You picked the perfect way to celebrate. We still have three years until our 50th and have been pondering what to do. I turn 70 in three months and still don't know how to celebrate that!
Happy Anniversary! Hey Bob. How great to hear from you .. and thank you for your wishes. Still don't feel old enough to have been married that long! :) Yes, as I said in our blog, we deliberated for quite some time before coming up with this holiday idea. It did turn out to be the perfect choice. Good luck with your ideas for your celebration(s).:Jan xx
Norfolk Island Thanks for taking us along on this adventure. Norfolk Island has always held some interest for me. Hopefully, we will get there some day. Happy Anniversary, looks like a wonderful place to celebrate. MJ
Travelblog: (worldmapmaker=369891)
Addictions come in many forms. For us – it’s always been travel. Whether it be a week here and there holidaying in Oz with family or travelling the world to far-flung and exotic places.
We have been very fortunate to have visited many countries throughout the world as well as also having seen much of Australia by trains, planes and automobiles (and also motorhome) but, still lots more to see. We haven’t even scratched the surface of this vast, magnificent country of ours.
Our children (and now also grand-children) also share our passion ... full info
RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
I remember this drive very well. We missed out on the good meal at the roadhouse stop as the chef was away, but on the other hand, I had the 'as advertised' loo with a view ;) Happy New Year again, and I hope to read about the rest of this trip when it's possible. Take care Jan and Ted xx